New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

A New Jersey man was arrested on suspicion of attacking his girlfriend with a baseball bat when the couple was visiting friends. According to a news report in The Hour, the 18-year-old man has been charged with second-degree assault and breach of peace in connection with this incident. Police say the man and his girlfriend were spending time with friends at a Norwalk apartment complex when they got into an argument. The man allegedly struck his girlfriend in the left ear, forearm, and leg with a baseball bat. She was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries.

According to New Jersey Penal Code Article 120.05, a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when “with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, he causes such injury to such person or to a third person.” Using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument in order to cause such injury can also result second-degree assault charges. Assault in the second degree is a Class D felony in New Jersey and can result in up to 10 years in prison.

Assault charges, depending on the circumstances of the incident and the defendant’s prior criminal record, can have serious consequences including lengthy prison time and hefty fines. If you or a loved one has been accused of aggravated assault or second-degree assault in New Jersey, it is important that you have a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side to fight those charges.

The experienced NJ assault defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of defending the rights of New Jersey residents. For more information about building your defense, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

A juvenile girl and two other boys in Hanover were recently charged with being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance. According to NewJerseyHills.com, the incident occurred when police got a 9-1-1 call from the juveniles. The girl was apparently having a panic attack because she was not feeling well after smoking marijuana. She admitted to smoking marijuana with two other friends and told police she wanted to go to the hospital because she was “freaking out.” The two boys were released to their parents. All three were charged with being under the influence and one of the juveniles was charged with possession of marijuana.

Under New Jersey law, possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana or being under the influence of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense. If convicted, an individual could face a $500 Drug Enforcement Reduction penalty and a $50 lab fee for each controlled dangerous substance (CDS) charge. In some cases, defendants may face higher fines or even up to six months in jail. The penalties for marijuana charges in New Jersey usually depend on the quantity of drugs seized, the circumstances of the arrest and the prior criminal record of the defendant.

In cases where a juvenile is facing drug crime charges, it is likely that the case will remain in juvenile court, but, depending on the circumstances, the juvenile may be charged as an adult. While some juvenile proceedings differ significantly from adult court proceedings, most penalties for drug charges remain the same for juveniles and adults.

The consequences of drug possession or being under the influence of a controlled substances can become serious for your child. What a young person may consider as an experiment can quickly go awry and result in grave consequences. If your child has been accused of a drug crime in New Jersey, the experienced Princeton juvenile drug crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein can help you better understand your options. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

It is illegal to gamble in New Jersey. In fact, gambling anywhere other than in an Atlantic City casino or racetrack can result in criminal penalties. Anyone arrested on suspicion of gambling in New Jersey would be well advised to understand his or her legal rights and options. It will be necessary to mount a strong defense to fight such charges.

Under New Jersey Law, gambling, or a contest of chance, is defined as "any contest, game, pool, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants or some other persons may also be a factor therein." Therefore, any time there is money exchanged because of the outcome of an event, a crime has been committed.

Additionally, state law 2A:40-1 states: "All wagers, bets or stakes made to depend upon any race or game, or upon any gaming by lot or chance, or upon any lot, chance, casualty or unknown or contingent event, shall be unlawful."

Defending gambling charges can be a complicated process. Here are some of the issues that come into play: Was the defendant aware that he or she was violating the law? What evidence does the prosecutor have against the defendant? How much money was exchanged? Did the suspect gamble or did he or she facilitate gambling for others? Does the defendant have a history of gambling issues?

Even first-time offenders who gambled a small amount of money can face jail time and heavy fines. The Princeton gambling defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight wrongful charges and how to negotiate for lesser penalties. If you or a loved one has been charged with gambling in New Jersey, please call our offices right away at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

While the right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, New Jersey has a number of laws regarding what types of weapons you can possess, how they can be used, and where you can keep or store them. Penalties for weapon violations in New Jersey can be severe and individuals facing weapon-related charges have it in their best interest to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect their constitutional rights.

There are some types of weapons that are illegal in New Jersey. For example, no one may possess a silencer, a defaced firearm, a sawed-off shotgun, assault weapons, or any destructive explosives or body armor penetrating bullets. Possessing any of these items can result in a third- or fourth-degree offense, which carries up to five years of prison time.

An individual does not have to use a firearm to face serious penalties. It is a second-degree crime with the potential for 10 years of incarceration to possess a firearm for unlawful purposes. It is also a second-degree crime to carry an unlicensed handgun and a third-degree crime to have an unregistered rifle or shotgun.

Anyone facing weapons-related charges in New Jersey would be well advised to reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney ready to fight the charges. It may be possible to have the charges dropped or the penalties reduced. The weapon violation defense lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling weapons charges in New Jersey. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to find out how we can help you.

A 35-year-old man was arrested in New Jersey for allegedly growing marijuana plants in his basement. As reported by The Star Ledger, the incident occurred on Woodland Avenue in Plainfield. Officials say they found 103 plants and extensive paraphernalia used to grow them. The Plainfield man faces multiple charges including drug possession and distribution. The investigation into this New Jersey marijuana grow operation is ongoing.

Even though New Jersey has passed medical marijuana laws, it is still illegal to grow and cultivate marijuana plants. In fact, it is a felony to grow any amount of marijuana. Cultivating less than 10 marijuana plants in New Jersey is a felony, which could result in three to five years in prison with a potential fine of $25,000. Growing between 10 and 49 plants can result in five to 10 years of incarceration with a $150,000 fine. Having more than 49 plants can result in up to 20 years of incarceration and a $300,000 fine.

There are also harsh penalties for possessing marijuana, owning marijuana paraphernalia, and having the intention of selling marijuana. Anyone facing these types of serious charges should contact a skilled drug crime defense attorney with experience handling similar cases.

The Princeton marijuana cultivation defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have experience handling all types of marijuana charges in New Jersey. Our Princeton criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations at (609) 240-0040 to anyone facing these serious drug charges.

A 49-year-old Highland Park man has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for having child pornography on his computer. According to The Star Ledger, the child pornography charges resulted from federal officers seizing several hard drives and hundreds of DVDs from his home in July of 2010. Officials say the material contained prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The man says he purchased the DVDs from Japan and downloaded the images from the Internet. In addition to his 36-month sentence, he has been fined $10,000 and has been placed on supervised probation for five years after his release.

There are two charges related to child pornography in New Jersey: possession and distribution. Both offenses carry serious penalties including an 18-month sentence and up to $10,000 in fines. These life-changing penalties are accompanied by the stigma of being labeled a sex offender. Convictions for crimes such as possession of child pornography can have a long-lasting effect on the defendant’s social and professional life.

It is important to vigorously fight these serious charges. There are several critical questions that must be asked in such cases. Was the suspect aware that the images involved a minor? How were the photos seized? Does the defendant have a history of similar offenses? Did others have access to the pornographic material? Is it possible that someone else owned the illegal images or DVDs?

The New Jersey sex crime lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience fighting child pornography possession charges in New Jersey. To discuss how to protect your reputation and future, please call us at (609) 240-0040 today.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly pointing a fake gun at police officers. According to a report in The Star Ledger, the incident occurred near Bristol and Guilden Streets in New Brunswick the night of February 9. Officials were notified of a suspicious person wearing a bandana. When officials arrived, the teenager allegedly pulled his bandana over his face and ran. Just before being tackled by the authorities, the teenager pointed a gun at them. The gun turned out to be a fake gun painted black. He faces aggravated assault charges in addition to his resisting arrest charge and possession of an imitation handgun.

There are many different laws regarding what types of firearms are legal and where they may be carried. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 (3), “Any person who knowingly has in his possession any imitation firearm in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution, without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution, or while on any school bus is a disorderly person.”

When a gun, other weapon, or potentially dangerous item, such as an imitation gun, is used against a police officer, an assault charge may be increased to aggravated assault. A lapse in judgment or a misunderstanding can quickly escalate into serious criminal charges.

The family of a juvenile facing assault or weapon charges would be well advised to contact an experienced lawyer who will defend against the charges and help protect the youth’s future. A juvenile crime defense attorney in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein handles all types of juvenile cases. We fight to keep juvenile cases out of adult court and to keep our clients out of jail or juvenile detention. For more information and to schedule a free consultation, please call us at (609) 240-0040.

Three New Jersey men, aged 28, 26, and 33, face drug charges for allegedly possessing heroin. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the drug bust occurred on Main Street in Franklin. Officials have charged the 28-year-old man with heroin distribution, possession of cocaine, and use of a controlled dangerous substance. The 26-year-old man faces charges for violation of parole and use of a controlled dangerous substance and the 33-year-old man was released pending a court appearance.

It is illegal to possess any amount of heroin in New Jersey. In fact, even the smallest amount of heroin can result in third-degree charges punishable by up to five years of incarceration. Additional penalties for possession of heroin include a fine of up to $35,000 and a six-month driver’s license suspension. If the authorities believe the defendant planned on selling the drugs, the charges could be even more severe.

Possession of between half an ounce and five ounces of heroin for sale is a second-degree crime punishable by up to five to 10 years in jail. Also, possession of more than five ounces of heroin with the intent to distribute is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. A drug-related charge may result in lengthy prison time, hefty fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

The experienced drug crime attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of protecting the rights of New Jersey residents. Please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

After reviewing video surveillance footage, officials believe they have identified two of the three people responsible for recent shoplifting in Mansfield Township. According to a news report in The Warren Reporter, the men are wanted for multiple incidents in northern New Jersey including a Bottle King store in Mansfield. Officials are searching for two men, aged 26 and 44, for concealing alcohol under their clothes before leaving without paying. According to the report, officials used video surveillance and descriptions of the men from employees to determine their identities.

Shoplifting is a serious crime that carries significant penalties in New Jersey. The prosecution will have to prove that the defendant had the intent of not paying for the items. The nature and extent of the charges in a shoplifting case almost always depend on the number of items taken, the value of the items, and the prior criminal record of the defendant.

It is a disorderly persons offense to take items with a full retail value of $200 or less. A disorderly persons offense, while not as serious as a fourth-degree crime, can still result in up to six months of imprisonment. A fourth-degree crime involving the theft of items valued between $200 and $500 can result in imprisonment for 18 months. Additionally, a first offense could result in 10 days of community service, a second offense in 15 days of community service, and a third offense could result in 25 days of community service and at least 90 days of jail time.

The skilled Princeton criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of fighting shoplifting charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with shoplifting, please call one of our experienced attorneys at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 46-year-old man from Suffern spent four years behind bars after being convicted on domestic violence charges before being released from jail. According to a news report from Lohud.com, the former Ramapo police officer was acquitted of abusing, stalking, and threatening to kill his wife. A 2009 conviction was thrown out after the panel found that the trial judge wrongfully allowed the jury to hear prior incidents in which the man was involved. The second trial also uncovered that the allegations of NJ spousal abuse did not surface until he filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery.

It is crucial in cases involving domestic abuse to have a skilled defense attorney who will fight any and all false allegations. Divorce, separations, and disputes often involve raised tempers, escalating emotions, and accusations. False allegations of abuse are particularly common in heated child custody battles. It is important that these types of arguments and accusations do not result in wrongful criminal charges.

Charges such as stalking and abuse can result in restraining orders, loss of child custody, heavy fines, and incarceration. Multiple charges can be added together resulting in harsh penalties that can have life-changing consequences. Anyone wrongfully accused of committing an act of domestic violence would be well advised to reach out to a skilled criminal defense attorney who will protect their legal rights and aggressively fight the charges.

A Princeton domestic violence defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein knows how to fight wrongful allegations of domestic abuse. If you are facing domestic violence charges in New Jersey, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

A 34-year-old man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting an officer while attempting to flee the scene of a crime. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the incident occurred at a West Caldwell drugstore in Newark. Officials say he attempted to fill out a bogus prescription before fleeing the scene, injuring an elderly woman and a police officer as he fled. The man was tracked down by officials and now faces two counts of aggravated assault and one count each of receiving stolen property, obtaining a controlled dangerous substance by fraud, and resisting arrest.

Eluding an officer is a serious offense under New Jersey law. But there is the possibility of even harsher penalties if the suspect assaulted or injured a police officer during his attempt to flee the scene. It is common in such cases for the suspect to face aggravated assault charges in New Jersey.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b), a person is guilty of aggravated assault if he or she “attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury” or recklessly causes injury with a deadly weapon.

Anyone facing multiple felony charges would be well advised to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney before discussing the circumstances of the incident with the authorities. The resisting arrest attorneys in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling assault cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please contact our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in Trenton for allegedly attempting to carjack two vehicles. According to a news report in The Times of Trenton, the failed carjacking occurred near West State Street. Officials say the teen asked a 67-year-old woman to exit her car so that he could take it. When she didn’t open the door, he fled. He then allegedly attempted to take a medical transport van from a 21-year-old man who dialed 9-1-1. He was arrested near West State and Prospect streets.

N.J.S.A. 2C:15-2 states: “A person is guilty of carjacking if in the course of committing an unlawful taking of a motor vehicle” he or she “inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon an occupant or person in possession or control of a motor vehicle” or “threatens an occupant or person in control with, or purposely or knowingly puts an occupant or person in control of the motor vehicle in fear of, immediate bodily injury.”

Carjacking is a serious crime that has potentially life-changing consequences. A youth does not have to successfully steal a car to face harsh penalties. The family of a juvenile facing these types of juvenile crime allegations would be well advised to speak with an experienced attorney who will protect the young defendant’s future. A knowledgeable attorney will negotiate to keep the case in juvenile court and out of the adult criminal justice system.

The skilled New Jersey juvenile theft defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect the rights of young people. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

A schoolteacher from Greenwich Township, her two sons, and a college student face multiple drug charges after officials seized marijuana on their premises. According to a news report in The Gloucester County Times, the drug possession charges resulted from a search warrant that was carried out on East High Street in Glassboro. Officials say they found more than a pound of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and an unspecified amount of heroin. The 56-year-old female teacher and her two sons, aged 19 and 21, were charged with possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana. A 21-year-old man who lived at the address faces drug possession charges as well as distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone and possession of heroin.

While possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense, possession of more than 50 grams is a felony. Instead of facing up to six months of incarceration, an individual who is found in possession of over 50 grams of marijuana could face up to 18 months in jail and a $25,000 fine. There could be additional charges and penalties, including fines and community service, if the drugs were within 1,000 feet of a school.

When multiple people are arrested at once, a skilled defense attorney will review the circumstances surrounding the arrest to determine who knowingly broke the law and who has been unfairly charged. A knowledgeable attorney will fight to have the charges reduced or even dismissed. Under New Jersey search and seizure law, if law enforcement officials seize drugs or evidence by violating the defendant’s constitutional rights, then the evidence may not be admissible in court.

The experienced Princeton drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein handle a variety of drug case every year. We have a long and successful track record of protecting the rights of New Jersey residents. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Crimes committed within the business sector are commonly referred to as white collar crimes. Charges for crimes such as embezzlement, extortion, and conspiracy can not only result in incarceration, but also in serious professional consequences. To protect one's career and livelihood, it is crucial these charges be fought with an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

There are many criminal offenses that fall under the category of white collar crime and all of them can hurt the reputation of a company or the individual charged with committing the crime. Common examples of white collar crimes committed in New Jersey include counterfeiting, perjury, bankruptcy fraud, embezzlement, extortion, forgery, fraud, and Internet fraud.

There are a number of ways in which a skilled criminal defense attorney may attack white collar crime charges. Was the defendant aware of criminal implications or was there no real criminal intent involved? Was the defendant under duress and forced to commit the act? Did the government coerce the defendant into committing the crime? Was the suspect under the influence of alcohol when said crime was committed? These are just some of the questions and issues that commonly come up in these types of cases.

A reputed white collar crime defense attorney will understand how to protect your career and your future. A conviction can cast a shadow of doubt over your credibility and integrity, which could seriously hurt your ability to make a living or remain gainfully employed.

The white collar crime attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling white-collar cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

A 30-year-old Pleasantville man has been arrested on suspicion of various drug charges after officials found marijuana in his home. According to an NBC 40 news report, officials obtained a warrant to search his home and found $2,500 in cash as well as approximately five ounces of marijuana. He now faces several New Jersey marijuana offense charges including possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute.

N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 makes it a fourth-degree crime to distribute one ounce or less of marijuana. It is a third-degree crime to distribute between one ounce and five pounds of marijuana. Penalties for a third-degree crime include incarceration, multiple fines, required rehabilitation, and the creation of a criminal record.

A skilled drug crime defense attorney will examine all aspects of the case. What evidence resulted in the search warrant? Where were the drugs found? Was the suspect aware of the existence of the drugs? What evidence is there to indicate that the defendant had intent to sell the drug? Does the suspect have prior convictions involving drugs? Are there opportunities for alternative sentencing so that the defendant can avoid jail time? Were the rights of the defendant violated during the search, seizure, or arrest?

The experienced New Jersey marijuana distribution defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history and a successful track record of handling marijuana cases in New Jersey. If you are facing marijuana-related charges, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a no-cost consultation.

Under New Jersey law, pharmacies are not allowed to sell hypodermic needles over the counter. According to a news report in New Jersey Today, a bill that will allow the sale of hypodermic syringes in quantities of 10 or less has been signed into law. The new law will require pharmacies to keep the needles out of their customers' view and to provide information on substance abuse treatment options to those who purchase them. Starting July 17, it will be legal to possess a hypodermic syringe or needle without a prescription and not be viewed as a drug crime in New Jersey.

The new law will not, however, allow individuals to sell hypodermic syringes or needles. Only pharmacies are allowed to sell them. Individuals who legally purchase them, only to turn around and sell them to others, could be charged with a disorderly persons offense. As is true with all disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey, penalties could include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

It is common for individuals facing disorderly persons offense charges to not take them seriously because they are not misdemeanors or felonies. That is a big mistake that can have devastating repercussions. Individuals with skilled legal representation will have a better chance of fighting the charges, staying out of jail, negotiating lesser penalties, and even having the case dismissed.

An experienced criminal defense attorney in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein handles all types of disorderly persons cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing drug possession charges or charges involving possession of drug paraphernalia, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

Four men were recently arrested in a Union County drug sweep that resulted in the seizure of 70 bricks of heroin. According to a news report in New Jersey Today, the drug bust occurred in Elizabeth following a three-month investigation. Officials say the arrest was part of a joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, which resulted in the arrest of seven other suspects. The four men arrested include a 35-year-old believed to be the leader of a narcotics trafficking network. The other arrestees were aged 25, 35, and 36 and all face possession as well as intent to distribute charges.

Possession of any amount of heroin is a serious offense that can result in up to five years in prison, a $35,000 fine, and a six-year driver's license suspension. Individuals charged with possessing heroin with the intent to distribute face even harsher penalties. Under New Jersey law, possessing five or more ounces of heroin for distribution is a first-degree crime, which can be punished with 10 to 20 years of incarceration.

Anyone facing these types of serious charges would be well advised to contact an experienced drug crime defense attorney before speaking with the authorities. Each case is different, but there are circumstances in which a skilled attorney can negotiate for lesser penalties or even fight to have the case dismissed.

The reputed Princeton drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling heroin possession and distribution charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug crime charges, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

Under New Jersey law, a person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher who operates a vehicle is considered to be illegally driving under the influence (DUI). Depending on the size and weight of the driver, it can only take a couple of drinks to have a BAC above the legal limit. Juveniles face even more severe restrictions.

Individuals under the age of 21 can be convicted of a DUI if they have a BAC of only .01 percent or greater. This means even a portion of a drink may be enough for an underage driver to have a BAC above the legal limit. Young drivers who have had a drink before driving will face a number of penalties that can adversely affect their future.

Drivers under the age of 21 with a BAC of .01 percent or higher could face a 30- to 90-day license suspension, 15 to 30 days of mandatory community service, and mandatory attendance at an alcohol education and highway safety program at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center. Drivers who are under age 17 at the time of the incident are subject to a delay in the processing of their driver license for 30 to 90 days. There are additional New Jersey DUI penalties if the act of driving under the influence resulted in an accident or injuries.

Young adults and juveniles who are charged with a DUI would be well advised to protect their best interests by contacting a skilled defense attorney. The NJ juvenile DUI attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight underage DUI charges and how to keep our young people out of juvenile detention and jail. To discuss your legal rights and options at absolutely no cost, please call us at (609) 240-0040 today.

Super Bowl weekend may not be considered an official national holiday, but it is celebrated like one. As millions of Americans gather at parties to drink beer and watch football, law enforcement will take to the streets to crack down on the inevitable increase in drunk driving incidents. It is important for all New Jersey motorists to remember that it only takes a few drinks to be considered over the legal limit and that drunk driving penalties in New Jersey are severe.

Super Bowl weekend is often treated by law enforcement like New Years Eve or the Fourth of July. Law enforcement agencies know that there will be more drunk drivers on the roadway. So, they step up enforcement efforts. You may notice more DUI checkpoints on major thoroughfares, as well as a substantial increase in the number of DUI patrols. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers behaving erratically. Signs of intoxication that may result in a traffic stop include running through a red light, speeding or driving well below the speed limit, swerving, and other erratic behavior.

If you plan on drinking or partying this Super Bowl Sunday, you would be well advised to have a designated driver who has committed to being sober. If this is not possible, either call a taxi or spend the night at the location of the party and drive home in the morning. Remember, even first-time offenders face up to 30 days in jail, a 90-day license suspension, and considerable fines in New Jersey.

The skilled NJ drunk driving defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help drivers fight DUI charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been accused of driving under the influence, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.

There are a number of acts that may be considered "lewd conduct" under New Jersey law. The type of act, the age of the alleged victim, and the criminal history of the defendant could affect the nature and the severity of the charges. All lewd act charges could have serious ramifications for defendants in social and professional realms, not to mention the potential for jail time and hefty fines.

According to New Jersey Criminal Code 2C:14-4: "A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed." There are circumstances that could elevate a lewd act from a disorderly persons offense.

It is a fourth-degree crime if an individual "exposes his intimate parts for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the actor or of any other person under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably expects he is likely to be observed by a child who is less than 13 years of age where the actor is at least four years older than the child."

Individuals charged with committing a lewd act can experience social and professional consequences even if the charges are dropped. It is important for anyone facing these types of charges to take the necessary steps to protect their reputation and future.

The NJ lewd conduct defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience fighting lewd conduct and other disorderly persons cases. If you or a loved one has been arrested on suspicion of lewd conduct, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.

Three teenagers, ages 15, 18, and 19, have been arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and arson. According to a news report in Toms River Online, one incident involved the theft of a 2007 Honda from a Nevada Drive residence in Toms River and another alleged theft involving a Ford Flex. Officials say the Honda was taken from a property and left in the woods. The Ford was taken and destroyed by being set on fire. The two adults are being held in Ocean County jail on $50,000 bail on two counts of vehicle theft and aggravated arson. The 15-year-old has been charged with arson and vehicle theft.

According to New Jersey Statute 2C:20-10(c): "A person commits a crime of the third degree if, with purpose to withhold temporarily from the owner, he takes, operates or exercises control over a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or other person authorized to give consent and operates the motor vehicle in a manner that creates a risk of injury to any person or a risk of damage to property."

In addition to facing potential jail time, individuals convicted of auto theft could face an additional $500 fine and a one-year license suspension. These penalties could increase if there are multiple cars involved or if the vehicle was damaged. Anyone facing these types of serious charges would be well advised to seek the counsel of a skilled criminal defense lawyer who will help fight the charges and protect their rights.

The experienced New Jersey juvenile crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight wrongful charges and negotiate for lesser penalties. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.